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MILWAUKEE - The group that owns the Modjeska Theater is $70,000 behind on the theater's gas bill. So the gas has been turned off - which means there's no heat or hot water. And that could force the city to close the building down.

Jim Matson is president of the board of the Modjeska Youth Theater Company. They own half of the Modjeska Theater building - and put on numerous productions there.

"This is also a historical landmark -- and an important part of Mitchell Street," Matson said.

The set on the stage Sunday is for the Modjeska Youth Theater Company's version of "To Kill a Mocking Bird."

But the company -- and the building at 11th and Mitchell, are in trouble. 

With the gas turned off, there isn't hot water -- something the city told the group is mandatory for sanitary reasons.

And without heat, it's cold inside. Our thermometer showed 53 degrees on Sunday afternoon, well below the city's mandatory 67.

"That's cold, and I've got the lights on," Matson explained." I hope it warms up the theater for this afternoon's performance."

And later this month, the well-known David Seebach magic show is scheduled. He will try to get a new location at the last minute if the theater has to close. But would offer refunds if that can't happen on short notice.

Matson is optimistic. "We're working very hard with the donor community and the Mitchell Street Association. And We Energies has been very helpful also. And we are hopeful."

The city told the building's owners they have until the end of this week to get the gas back on - or else they'll have to close the doors.

There are also concerns that the detailed plaster work inside the theater could crack and crumble without heat if it's not turned back on soon. That would lead to permanent damage.